Tobacco smoking not only has an adverse impact on the life of the smoker but also affects the mental and physical abilities of the people exposed to the smoke. The worst sufferers are the children

Tobacco smoking not only has an adverse impact on the life of the smoker but also affects the mental and physical abilities of the people exposed to the smoke.

The worst sufferers are the children who are a victim of passive smoking. It affects their brain development and these children are found out to adopt aggression and violence, and face conduct problems at school, even drop out at age 12, a research has showed.

Exposure to tobacco smoke is toxic to the developing brain at a time when it is most vulnerable to environment input, the researchers said.

"Young children have little control over their exposure to household tobacco smoke, which is considered toxic to the brain at a time when its development is exponential," said lead author and Professor Linda Pagani from the University of Montreal in Quebec, Canada.

Parents who smoke near their children often inadvertently expose them to second- and third-hand smoke.

Abnormal brain development can result from chronic or transient exposure to toxic chemicals and gases in second-hand tobacco smoke. These compounds eventually solidify and create third-hand smoke.

In the study, the researchers found compelling evidence that suggests other dangers to developing brain systems that govern behavioural decisions, social and emotional life as well as cognitive functioning.